Description

These Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples are a delicious, warm, and comforting treat that perfectly balances sweetness and spice. With tender, caramelized apples in a syrupy sauce infused with cinnamon and nutmeg, they make a perfect side dish or dessert. The slow cooking method ensures the apples are soft and flavorful, and the optional vanilla extract adds an extra depth of flavor, making these apples irresistible.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Fried Apples:

6 medium apples (such as Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp, peeled, cored, and sliced)

¼ cup unsalted butter (cut into small pieces)

½ cup granulated sugar

½ cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg Pinch of salt

1 tablespoon lemon juice (to prevent browning)

Optional:

¼ teaspoon vanilla extract (for extra flavor)

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Apples Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges or chunks. Toss them with lemon juice in a large bowl to prevent browning.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients In your slow cooker, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir gently to coat the apples evenly with the sugar and spices. Dot the mixture with small pieces of butter.

Step 3: Cook the Apples Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4–6 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. The apples are done when they’re soft and caramelized, with a syrupy sauce forming around them.

Step 4: Add Final Touches If desired, stir in the vanilla extract during the last 10 minutes of cooking for an extra layer of flavor.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy Serve the fried apples warm as a side dish, over pancakes or waffles, or topped with vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Notes

These Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples are the perfect way to bring the flavors of fall to your table, no matter the season. The slow cooking method helps the apples break down into tender, syrupy goodness, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture. You can customize the recipe by using your favorite apple variety, whether you prefer a sweet, tart, or balanced flavor. The addition of vanilla extract at the end gives the apples a lovely depth of flavor, though they’re still delicious without it. Whether you’re serving them as a comforting side or as a topping for breakfast treats, these fried apples are sure to be a hit.